51sqqKnsv8S._SL500_Synopsis: “Since its immediate success in 1813, Pride and Prejudice has remained one of the most popular novels in the English language. Jane Austen called this brilliant work “her own darling child” and its vivacious heroine, Elizabeth Bennet, “as delightful a creature as ever appeared in print.” The romantic clash between the opinionated Elizabeth and her proud beau, Mr. Darcy, is a splendid performance of civilized sparring. And Jane Austen’s radiant wit sparkles as her characters dance a delicate quadrille of flirtation and intrigue, making this book the most superb comedy of manners of Regency England.“

 

My Review

What can I say or even add to the words thousands of people have written about this classic novel?

I tried reading it a couple of times years ago and decided that Jane Austen definitely wasn’t for me. I really didn’t think I’d ever try it again until this year, when I listened to the audiobook for a reading challenge. I absolutely loved Juliet Stevenson’s performance though, in fact she’s the reason I finished this book.

The writing lost me sometimes, when some of the dialogue didn’t make any sense and left me wondering why this book is loved so much? Fortunately I knew the story from the Colin Firth adaptation, and Lost In Austen a wonderful spoof starring Jemima Rooper, Alex Kingston and Hugh Bonneville.

I understand the manners, the gallantry and the romance, but it’s such a slow burn, it’s a wonder Lizzie and Darcy got together at all. It did make me laugh on occasion, and harrumph in disgust at the whole class situation, which of course is part of the plot and the title.

I definitely won’t be trying another one of her books, but will stick to the dramatisations instead.